Morris Bye Memorial Award 1989-2005

In the summer of 1988, the family of
Morris Bye, former MASA member and superintendent, approached the leadership
of MASA and indicated an interest in establishing a memorial in the name of
their father to recognize the tremendously important work of superintendents
in Minnesota.

Morris Bye died November 6,1983, and
left a legacy of dedicated professional service, faith in the dignity of
people, a commitment to the welfare of students and a belief in active
community involvement. Bye's life exemplified the service principle.

Morris Bye's career began as a
school superintendent in York, North Dakota in 1918, upon graduating
valedictorian from Concordia College in Moorhead. In 1923, Bye moved to Thief
River Falls, Minnesota where he taught and served as high school principal.

In 1926, Bye was appointed
Superintendent where he served until 1943.From 1943 until his retirement in
1964, Bye served as Superintendent in Anoka guiding the district through
tremendous growth and change. Under his leadership the district grew from a
small rural district to the third largest in the State. The district grew
ten-fold,combined all or parts of thirty separate districts and constructed
20 schools during his superintendency.

"All of us remember his strong
leadership. The one thing people remember is we never lost a bond issue vote
during his time. When Mr. Bye said we needed it, we got it. The community had
faith in his leadership," said Pauline Chamberlain, a retired Anoka
teacher and administrator. Bye was also actively involved in
professional organizations serving as President of the Minnesota Association
of School Administrators from 1943-45, and as President of the Minnesota
Education Association from 1950-52.

Award Criteria

The recipient must be a current active or associate member of
the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, will have at least
twenty(20) years of successful administrative experience in Minnesota public
schools, and will have served successfully as a superintendent for a minimum
of ten(10) years and be a practicing superintendent at the time of
nomination.

The recipient shall have demonstrated the following attributes or
characteristics throughout their career:

A life long commitment to
educational programs that would insure the maximum development of each
and every student.

Creation of an atmosphere
in the schools that allows students to learn and teachers to
teach.

Fostered
innovations and ideas enabling teachers and students to enjoy
education and to experience and develop